St. Pat’s Celebration Will Begin Early Here — Downtown Parade This Saturday

With an expanded lineup and a new date, organizers of the St. Pat’s Day Parade are hoping for a big crowd this Saturday.

“We invite everyone to get their green on and come on down to watch,” said Aimee Frey, event coordinator for Downtown Washington Inc., parade sponsor.

The parade will begin at 11 a.m. It will begin at the Main and Cedar streets parking lot. The route will be the same as the Holiday Parade of Lights.

The parade will travel south on Cedar to Fifth Street; east on Fifth to Elm Street; north on Elm to Second Street; east on Second to Jefferson Street; north on Jefferson to Main Street; and then west on Main, ending at the Main and Cedar parking lots.

“We have a leprechaun and about 20 entries, including the Blue Jay mascot, antique fire trucks and cars, McGruff the Crime Dog and lots more,” said Frey. “There will be several floats, walking groups, decorated vehicles, violinists and even a dog walking group.”

The parade was moved to a Saturday this year to attract more participants and spectators.

“We hope to grow it each year, and we’re excited to have 20 entries this year,” said Frey.

Frey said most of the entries are sponsored by local businesses, including Barreth Chrysler, Great Clips, Grey Eagles Distributors, Hillermann Nursery & Florist, John G’s Bier Deck & Tap Room, KFAV 99.9, Modern Auto, Pepsi of New Haven.

Washington police and fire departments also will participate.

“Green is a must and that’s what we’ve told all of the groups, and I hope all of the parade watchers are decked out in green too,” Frey said.

The St. Pat’s Parade was first started and sponsored by St. Francis Borgia Parish. The downtown group took over the event several years ago at the church’s request.

Frey said the weather forecast looks great for a parade with temps in the 50s and 60s.